Press Releases

AFCD completes phase II artificial reef project
Saturday, October 25, 2003

The second phase of the artificial reef project implemented by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has completed successfully with the deployment of the last batch of artificial reefs at Outer Port Shelter.

The AFCD initiated the artificial reef deployment project in 1996 with the aim of enhancing local marine and fisheries resources. The first phase, with 28,000 cubic metres of artificial reefs deployed in Yau Chau Tong and Hoi Ha Wan Marine Parks, was completed in 1999.

"The second phase, which involves deployment of artificial reefs in two known spawning and nursery grounds in Long Harbour and Outer Port Shelter, commenced in September 2001. About 129,000 cubic metres were deployed in the two areas, " an AFCD spokesman said today (October 25).

Artificial reefs deployed in Hong Kong waters take various forms, including vessels, used-tyres, concrete units and redundant marine structures.

"The monitoring results of the phase one project show that the number of fish species recorded in these artificial reefs has increased from 40 in 1998 to over 220 species in 2003. These included many highly valued species such as grouper, snapper, bream and sweetlips.

"With the completion of the second phase artificial reef deployment in nursery and spawning grounds in Long Harbour and Outer Port Shelter, we are confident that fisheries resources in these areas and nearby areas will keep increasing," the spokesman said.

In addition to the two phases, the AFCD also deployed artificial reefs at Sha Chau/Lung Kwu Chau Marine Park and seas off Chek Lap Kok in 2000 to increase food resources in Chinese White Dolphins habitats.

A trial study was also started in April 2002 to use biofilter artificial reefs to improve the water quality in Kau Sai fish culture zones.

So far, artificial reefs covering an area of about 168,000 cubic metres have been deployed within Hong Kong waters.